Musings of a Future Baron - 8. The Treant and the Boar

Fireday 23 Gozran 4710

We took a wrong turn somewhere. It added a good six hour walk to our journey trying to backtrack, but finally we’re sitting outside the Temple of the Elk. The fog here is unbelievable, I can barely see forty feet ahead of me. Add the dark of night to that, and… well, I’m not sure we should be heading into the temple. I hate to do it, but I’m calling the day a wash. We’ll tackle the temple tomorrow morning.

Starday 24 Gozran 4710

The temple was the center of the ritual. Not only did we have to contend with the fog, but we had to deal with summoned wolves, frogs, and a boar that was twice as big as Linzi. Beyond that, there was a treant savaging a follower of Sarenrae. We saved his life, and he offered to join us.

Oh Tristian… If I hadn’t made a solemn vow to never be involved with a religious person…

But no, so many of you are married to your religion. We would never work, and I won’t even pretend it could work.

The fog started fading with the death of the treant. Jhod will be pleased, the temple is in poor repair, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to fix it up so it may be reconsecrated to the Stag God. We even found a few divine scrolls tucked away in one of the old vestibules. Tristian should be able to use them as needed, though I am concerned with his desire to fight in melee. He has not been trained to wear armour, and fighting in close quarters in a robe is not a very wise option. If we find a crossbow in our travels, it will immediately go to him.

By the end of the fight, it was dusk, and we wasted no time in setting up camp. Finally we have someone able to stand guard at night. I will sleep more soundly with you standing guard Tristian.

Sunday 25 Gozran 4710

We took a day to camp, letting Tristian recover more fully from the wounds he sustained at the Temple of the Elk. Tomorrow, we head to Tuskgutter’s Lair.

Moonday 26 Gozran 4710

Today we witnessed Amiri truly in action. I was unable to convince her to accept our help in fighting Tuskgutter, but we stood on hand. If she fell, we would have saved her. I will not mention that to her.

But there was no need for us to worry. She took a lot of damage in the fight, but it was amazing what she did to that boar. A boar who had taken a seasoned hunter’s leg, and our barbarian made mincemeat out of him. Amiri, none can ever doubt your courage or your strength. You slew Tuskgutter in single combat, and walked proud with your injuries until we rested for the night. I am proud of you. And that you did this so you could feel as though you were officially part of our team, our tribe. I am honoured to fight by one as bold as you.